When Love Hurts | Dramione - COMPLETED

Honesty

Hermione's POV

"People are arriving!" Draco shouted.

"But the ball doesn't start for another two hours," Hermione said, confused. She scooped up another spoon of her ice cream.

"People like to be early," Draco shrugged.

"Hermione!" Narcissa rushes into the room, her makeup impeccably done, and her hair in an elegant updo. "Why aren't you ready?"

"I figured that I could just slip into my dress a few minutes before the ball. My hair is done," Hermione pointed at the messy bun she had hastily put up.

Narcissa gaped at her for a few seconds. "My dear!" She finally recollected herself. "No! I will not allow you to go like that!"

"Why did I even try?" Hermione muttered, standing up.

"Upstairs! And Draco, do something with your hair."

Draco obstinately shook his head. "Have fun," he called to Hermione.

Hermione rolled her eyes, but let herself be steered up the stairs by Narcissa.

"Makeup or no makeup?" Narcissa asked, fluttering around Hermione's room.

"None," Hermione instantly said.

It wasn't because she didn't like makeup. She always had, as long as it didn't coat your face and cover it, but she never wore it. Her chief fear was that she would wear makeup and everyone would like that version of herself better, and that they'd never like the real her again.

It was silly, if she thought about it, but she already had too many versions of herself. She didn't want to add others, and have more expectations piled up on her. Merlin knew she had enough.

And anyways, none of it mattered because she had no bloody idea how to put on makeup.

"Your hair evened out beautifully in these couple of years," Narcissa fondly said, combing Hermione's hair.

"I'm glad of it," Hermione laughed, remembering her unruly hair.

"There," Narcissa said after a while. "I finished your hair."

Hermione couldn't help but gasp slightly when she looked in the mirror. Her hair was stunning. It was put into an elegant bun, with diamond clips pinning up the excess.

"Wow," Hermione sincerely said. "Just... wow."

Narcissa displayed the famous Malfoy smirk.

"I'll grab my dress," Hermione smiled, making eye contact with Narcissa through the mirror.

Hermione slipped on the deep red dress, trying to make sure she didn't see too much of it.

Narcissa had only needed their sizes taken, as she was firmly adamant on picking out their things for them and not letting them see until the start of the ball.

Hermione, unable to resist a peek, looked down at herself. But all she could see was white smoke.

"Don't even think about it," Narcissa earned her, rounding the corner. "It's a handy spell I learned from Lily."